The newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
